New York City in the Summer: Your Guide to Enjoying the 5 Boroughs
With summer only about 12 weeks long, it’s time to see and visit as much as possible, before the rainy fall and winter months arrive.
New York is teeming with life and there is a plethora of events in each borough to keep you occupied all summer.
We previously wrote about how New York should be your next romantic destination, and this time we’d like to uncover all that New York’s five boroughs have to offer in the summer.
Plan your trip?
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Manhattan
While Manhattan can be all glitz and glamour, it also has a dark side. Take a tour of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral catacombs with Catacombs by Candlelight. Under this 200-year-old church are resting places of legendary New Yorkers and Civil War generals.
For an above ground memorable experience, the USS Intrepid Air & Space Museum will be showing films on its deck every Friday until August 24.
One of New York City’s most unusual attractions, The WWII carrier served in the Pacific War and later in Vietnam and today it is an interactive museum open from 10am to 5pm and up to 6pm on weekends.
Brooklyn
When in Brooklyn definitely try out their pizzas, then enjoy some fine music festivals as part of the Brooklyn summertime concert series.
A favourite by far is “Celebrate Brooklyn!” taking place at the Prospect Park Bandshell from July 16 to August 11. With lots of seating and shaded areas the venue is perfect for a picnic and better yet, a free concert.
For a more active adventure you can rent a canoe to go boating on Jamaica Bay by the National Wildlife Refuge, or boat off the Brooklyn Bridge Park with some local experts.
Queens
Every summer, Queens hosts the biggest tennis tournament in the world with the top players competing for glory.
The US Open will run from August 27 to September 9 and it will be your chance to see top Australian players. To see some top level free tennis, make sure to visit during the qualifying rounds from August 21 to 24.
For another walk in the park, literally, visit the famous Flushing Meadows Corona Park; it is the biggest park in New York City and home to two World Fairs and the United Nations.
The Bronx
For a great adventure visit the obstacle courses in the forest canopy at the Bronx Zoo Treetop Adventure. A great activity for everyone, the obstacle courses include rope bridges, tight rope walks as well as rolling and swinging.
The park also has a zipline which doubles back across the Bronx River. The park adventure is open every day from 10am to 8pm until July 31st.
If you’re looking for Latin rhythms and beach fun look no further than the Orchard Beach Summer concert series, held on Sundays (weather permitting) from July 9th to September 3rd at Pelham Bay Park. The event features live salsa bands with concessions, food trucks and more.
Staten Island
For an experience to scintillate your eyes and ears, visit the historic St. George’s Theatre in the St. George’s neighbourhood of Staten Island.
Originally opened in 1929 as a luxurious movie palace and vaudeville theatre, St. George’s is lavishly decorated in Spanish and Italian baroque paintings, grand staircases and stained-glass windows. It also boasts one of the largest cantilevered balconies ever built.
The theatre has hosted many stars with upcoming shows by Vicky Lawrence, September 28th, and Paul Riser, October 6th. In keeping with the historic theme, Richmond Town is a historic village with a collection of 28 landmarked buildings from the 17th century to today.
There are re-enactments, workshops, and New York’s oldest working farm. Guided tours available daily at 2pm and 3:30pm.
